Crime Prevention Through Social Development

The following document outlines the emergence of Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPTSD) as one pro-active method of crime prevention addressing root causes of crime. A review of the literature reveals that CPTSD programmes have a positive impact on promoting of pro-social behaviours in at-risk populations - with at risk being defined as: those more likely to be involved in the criminal justice process either by committing a crime or as a victim of a crime. Normalization is seen as a process of gathering heterogeneous audiences together for CPTSD deliveries in generically named programmes that will not scare off participants who are at no or less risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. These participants help establish normative environments that support the objectives of the CPTSD delivery. Additionally, it is seen that all social service agencies are converging toward the similar goal of promoting community wellness. Earlier and more CPTSD initiatives are encouraged. Finally, a case is made for the development of training materials to assist in CPTSD programme needs assessment, instructional design, delivery and evaluation.